Chapter 14 Chapter 4 Hidden Crisis
"Prime Minister, the famous instrument of the country".As the center of the Tang Dynasty, the prime minister played a decisive role in the development of the political situation.After Xuanzong ascended the throne, he first used Yao Chong and Song Jing as prime ministers, and then Zhang Jiazhen, Zhang Shuo, Li Yuanhong, Du Luo, Han Xiu, and Zhang Jiuling as prime ministers.They have their own strengths and are dedicated to their duties, making the government full of vigor, clear politics, and stable political situation.However, it is worth noting that compared to Li Linfu's 19 years as prime minister, the previous prime ministers changed relatively frequently, which was naturally Xuanzong's strategy.If it is said that Xuanzong's appointment and removal of prime ministers in the early stage was still for the sake of the country, but later he completely changed his original intention.Later, the appointment and removal of prime ministers showed more and more Xuanzong's power tactics.Especially when it came to Li Linfu and Yang Guozhong, Xuanzong was completely out of self-interest.
Back to the subject of the prime minister.After Song Jing was dismissed, he was replaced by Yuan Qianyao and Zhang Jiazhen, with Yuan Qianyao as the head and Zhang Jiazhen as the deputy.But in fact, Zhang Jiazhen is self-willed and decisive in situations, while Yuan Qianyao has a generous personality. In addition, he has served as Yao Chong's deputy for a long time. Although he is called Zheng, he actually became Zhang Jiazhen's deputy.Later generations believed that this was where Xuanzong's power lies, and they deliberately arranged this way so that the two could check and balance each other.
Neither of the two new prime ministers had the enterprising spirit of Yao Chong or Song Jing, but both of them also performed their duties well.Soon after, Zhang Jiazhen was implicated by his younger brother Jinwu General Zhang Jiayou's embezzlement, and was dismissed from his position as a minister. Yao Chong's old opponent was appointed as a prime minister and secretary of the Ministry of War.
In the third year of Chang'an (703), Empress Wu Zetian's favored Zhang Changzong framed Wei Yuanzhong, the imperial historian, for rebellion, and coerced Zhang Shuo to testify, and Zhang Shuo agreed.However, when the court testified, Zhang Shuo made a generous statement and said to Wu Zetian: "Your Majesty regards it, and in front of His Majesty, you still force me to do so. It's not like this! I dare not be truthful to the Guangchao. Your Majesty I don't really hear Yuan Zhong's words, but Chang Zong forced his ministers to falsely testify!" Zhang Changzong was furious, and falsely accused Zhang Shuo and Wei Yuanzhong of conspiring against each other.Zhang said that he refuted it rationally and protected the upright minister Wei Yuanzhong.But Wu Zetian thought that Zhang Shuo was a "repetitive villain" and exiled to Qinzhou.
After Zhongzong was restored, Zhang Shuo was called back.During the reign of Emperor Ruizong, Ren Tongzhong made peace under the sect of Zhongshu.At that time, Princess Taiping was fighting for power with Crown Prince Li Longji, and someone said that within five days urgent soldiers would enter the palace.Ruizong summoned the ministers to discuss the matter. Everyone knew that the purpose of this matter was to drive a wedge between father and son and shake the position of Prince Li Longji, but they looked at each other in blank dismay, not knowing what to say.Only Zhang Shuo pointed out bluntly: "This is a plan of slanderers, intending to shake the ear of the East Palace. If your majesty makes the prince supervise the country, then the ruler and ministers will be divided, and naturally the way of coveting will be cut off, and disasters will not happen." ("Da Tang Xin Yu Volume" 1") Ruizong was very happy after hearing this, so he ordered the prince to supervise the country.In the second year, he ordered the prince to ascend the throne.
At the beginning of Kaiyuan, Emperor Xuanzong worshiped Zhang Shuo as the order of Zhongshu, and named him Duke of Yan.In October of the first year of Kaiyuan (713), Xuanzong wanted to recall Yao Chong, the governor of Tongzhou, as his prime minister.Zhang said that because of his discord with Yao Chong, he secretly ordered Zhao Yanzhao, the imperial historian, to impeach him, but Xuanzong ignored him.Then, Zhang said that Jiang Jiao, the supervisor of the palace, suggested to Xuanzong to appoint Yao Chong as the governor of Hedong, so as to prevent Yao Chong from becoming prime minister.Xuanzong knew that it was Zhang Shuo's strategy. Despite repeated obstructions, he still worshiped Yao Chong as his prime minister.After Yao Chong became prime minister, Zhang Shuo went to the residence of King Qi Li Fan (Xuanzong's fourth younger brother) privately to express his sincerity.Yao Chong reported the matter when he knew about it.Xuanzong most tabooed clan relatives and ministers getting married, especially his own son and brother. This is a huge distortion of family ties unique to imperial power.Zhang said that he could not escape this catastrophe, but because of his pleading, he was only relegated to the governor of Xiangzhou and served as the inspector of the North Road.The reason why he escaped, there is still a good story hidden in it.
Zhang said that there was a protégé named Jia Quanxu who had an affair with his beloved concubine Ning Huaitang.Zhang said that after finding out, he wanted to deal with Jia Quanxu according to law.Jia Quanxu shouted loudly: "Greed for sex and talent, everyone is sick, why should a man die? But why does Duke Ming cherish a woman and want to kill a scholar of the country? Doesn't Duke Ming need to rely on others because he is so important? In the past, Chu Zhuang didn't pay attention to Jueying, Yang Su didn't chase after Hong Fu, he measured people well, and was admired in ancient and modern times, but how can you be so small?" Zhang Shuo secretly marveled at his words, so he bestowed Ning Huai Tang on him and gave it to them. Many belongings, sent them away.Unexpectedly, by chance, Jia Quanxu later became a servant in the secret office of the inner court, and the secret performances of all the ministers were often known to the ancestors.After seeing Yao Chong's report on Zhang Shuo's memorial, he rushed to report it.Zhang said that he heard that he was very anxious and had no solution.Jia Quanxu gave Zhang Shuo a night curtain and asked him to dedicate it to the Nine Princesses.Zhang said that he would follow the plan.The nine princesses interceded for Zhang Shuo in front of Xuanzong, and Zhang Shuo was saved from disaster.
During the period of exile, Zhang said that he did not feel depressed, and his political achievements were quite outstanding.This is also the main reason why Xuanzong thought of Zhang Shuo again.
This photoshoot, Zhang said that his feelings are quite complicated.After several ups and downs in the officialdom, in his view, phase is heaven, but it is also hell, a place where glory and danger coexist.However, for Zhang Shuo, glory and power are so attractive that he is aware of the potential threat, but still embarks on this dangerous road.
Zhang said that after he became prime minister, he still made some achievements.He is intelligent, but easy to be bribed.The relationship between him and Yao Chong is not good, and the two are fighting each other and pushing each other out.When Yao Chong was about to die, he was afraid that Zhang would retaliate against his son in the future, so he said to his son: "I have been a prime minister for several years, and what I have said and done is quite descriptive. After death, the tombstone is not for writers. Today's master of articles, Zhang said, "He and I have never been on good terms. If you ask for a book, you will definitely refuse. I will pass on a plan. You can display rare things in front of my spiritual throne. When you come to pay a memorial service, if you see this rare thing, you will ignore it." Going away, it is he who commemorates the former enemy, it is very worrying, you can return to your hometown quickly! If he plays with each piece one by one, and you have a love, you can pass on my last order and give them all. I ask him to make an inscription, so that Speed is the best! After his inscription is finished, he will immediately cut the stone and present it to the emperor. I guess that greed for precious things is enough to make the mind faint. If he follows this method, he will regret it. Remember not to violate it! If you can do it I expected that the inscription already contained praise, but later I thought about it and sought revenge, so I couldn’t help but retaliate against myself.” After Yao Chong’s death, Zhang Shuo really came to offer his condolences.Yao Yi, Yao Chong's son, has placed treasures in front of his spirit according to his father's charity performance.Zhang said that when he saw Zhenwan, he immediately became greedy for money, and couldn't help but stepped forward to caress and play with it.Yao Yi took the opportunity to step forward and said: "My late father had a last word, saying that his colleagues were willing to write inscriptions, so he would give him the treasures. You are a contemporary writer. If you don't spare pearls and jade, if you are unworthy, you should be rewarded with pictures, and small things are even more insignificant." Said he readily agreed.Yao Yi waited to thank him again, and asked him to write quickly.Zhang said that after going back, he immediately wrote an inscription in praise of Yao Chong.The Yao family also kept their promise and sent the treasures to the Zhang family.After the Yao family got the inscription written by Zhang Shuo, they asked people to carve the inscription overnight, and specially presented the manuscript to Emperor Xuanzong.Xuanzong looked at it, and praised him very much, saying: "Like this virtuous man, you must praise him without this article." Zhang said that he woke up after the incident, thinking to himself that he was at odds with Yao Chong, how could he praise him, and quickly sent someone to ask for the original manuscript , only said that the article was sloppy and needed to be revised. Unexpectedly, the Yao family said that it had been engraved into a stele and submitted to the imperial court.Zhang Shuo couldn't help but stamped his feet and said, "This is all Yao Chong's last policy. I just said it alive, but Yao Chong did it." This shows Zhang Shuo's greedy character.
Zhang said that he has a bad temper, and if all the officials did not agree with him, "it's easy to break it, as for scolding", so the relationship with his colleagues is not very harmonious.In the fourteenth year of Kaiyuan (726), Xuanzong recalled Yin Cui Yinfu of Henan Province and wanted to appoint an important official, but Zhang Shuo thought that Cui Yinfu was incompetent because he did not understand literature.Xuanzong didn't listen to Zhang's opinion, and insisted on appointing Cui Yinfu as Yushi doctor.After Cui Yinfu learned what had happened, he hated Zhang Shuo in his heart.
The censor Zhongcheng Yu Wenrong once suggested that the world's downstream households and foreigners occupying land should be investigated, ten measures should be set up to encourage farming, and the county and county departments should supervise and inspect.Zhang said that he was worried about disturbing the people and tried to stop it many times.Yu Wenrong also asked the Ministry of Officials to set up Team Group to take charge of the election with Su Ting and others, but Zhang Shuo tried his best to stop it.Yu Wenrong was extremely angry and determined to take revenge on Zhang Shuo.
In the Tang Dynasty, offending the ministers of Yushitai was a matter of endless troubles, because Yushi had the right to impeach any minister, no matter how prominent the other party's status was.At this time, Zhang Jiuling, who worked under Zhang Shuo, had already seen the danger, and persuaded Zhang Shuo to take immediate self-defense measures, but Zhang Shuo refused to listen, and even said: "What can you do!"
Zhang Jiuling's worries were unfortunately fulfilled.Soon, Yu Wenrong joined forces with Cui Yinfu and Li Linfu to impeach Zhang Shuo.The crimes are: asking the warlock for good and bad luck, abusing power for personal gain, and accepting bribes.Xuanzong was very angry and ordered Yuan Qianyao, the left minister who was at odds with Zhang Shuo, to investigate.As a result, he was convicted of the crime, and the former prime minister was suddenly reduced to a prisoner.Fortunately, Gao Lishi interceded for Zhang, and Xuanzong just removed him from the position of prime minister and ordered him to study national history in Jixianyuan.After that, Zhang said that he specialized in literature and history.
Although Xuanzong removed Zhang Shuo's position, he continued to favor him. "Every time there is a major event in the court, the emperor often sends Chinese envoys to visit him" ("Zizhi Tongjian Volume 213") to consult Zhang. said opinion.It can be seen that Xuanzong was still very clear at this time, and he clearly knew the advantages and disadvantages of Zhang Shuo.Zhang Shuo's shortcomings make him not good enough to serve as a prime minister, but his strengths can still make him a good adviser to the court.
Zhang said that he was prime minister three times before and after, and Ren Fan, who had been in charge of literature for 30 years, was the Wenzong of the early Kaiyuan generation.Zhang said, "Happy Yanna is backward", and famous scholars such as Zhang Jiuling and Wang Han often visited his disciples.He was actually a leader in the literary world in the early Tang Dynasty.Zhang said that the most famous representative is "Yedu Yin": "Don't you see that Wei Wu started to fight for heaven and wealth, and the heroes rushed to each other. During the day, he led the strong men to break the battle, and at night, he received the poets and gave them to the house. The city is surrounded by Xishanyang, and the mulberry Elm Khan spreads across the Zhanghe River. The city walls were rebuilt by people in the ruins, but there is a bright moon in the West Garden. There are many noble officials on the high mound next to Ye, and the crescent eyebrows are full of dust. Try to go to the singing and dancing place on the copper stage, but the autumn wind worries about killing people." This seven-word poem The songs are written boldly but not carelessly, showing a distinct heroic character and suave spirit, which is the most significant spiritual connotation of Tang poetry.
Zhang Shuo is also known for his articles.At that time, most of the writings of the imperial court were written by him and Su Ting, known as "Yan Xu's great handwriting" (Zhang Shuo named Yan Guogong, Su Ting named Xu Guogong) (Li Zhao's "Tang Guoshi Supplement").Zhang Shuo's articles are simple and simple in quality, often displaying grandeur in his handsome words, fully demonstrating the characteristics of the great era.
After Zhang Shuo, Li Yuanhong, who was famous for Xuanzong's integrity and integrity, took over Zhang Shuo's position as prime minister.Li Yuanhong is a descendant of a famous family, and his father Li Daoguang once served as the prime minister of Wu Zetian.Because Li Yuanhong was the first prime minister appointed during Xuanzong's period without any merit in the imperial examination, most people in the world believed that he entered the official career through shade.Du Xian was also called into the center, forming the so-called troika with Li Yuanhong and Yuan Qianyao.
When Li Yuanhong joined the army as a secretary in Yongzhou in his early years, he tried a case of fighting for property rights.At that time, Princess Taiping competed with others for the mill, and Li Yuanhong returned it to the original owner in an impartial sentence.Princess Taiping's power is in the government and the public, and all officials worship her.Shi Dou Huaizhen, governor of Yongzhou, urged Li Yuanhong to change his sentence.Li Yuanhong not only disagreed, but also wrote in the verdict: "Nanshan can be moved, but this verdict is hard to change!" It was widely praised by the public.
Du Xian is good at appeasing soldiers and soldiers.Li Yuanhong and Du Siam have both literary and military skills, which is a good match.However, both of them are upright people, and the emotional conflict gradually turned into a central discord.Xuanzong was tired of the frequent quarrels between the prime ministers, so he demoted both of them to be governors. At the same time, he lowered Yuan Qianyao to be Shangshu Zuocheng, who stayed in the court, but was no longer a prime minister.
Xiao Song replaced Yuan Qianyao, and Yu Wenrong and Pei Guangting replaced Li Yuanhong and Du Xian.Pei Guangting died of illness not long after. Xiao Song had already married the emperor (Xuanzong's daughter Princess Xinchang married Xiao Song's son Xiao Heng), so he recommended his friend Wang Qiu (wife is Zhongzong's daughter) to replace Pei Guangting.What Xiao Song didn't expect was that because of his recommendation, many incidents were caused, which directly led to his dismissal in the future.Wang Qiu declined the offer and recommended Han Xiu instead.Han Xiu was famous for his literary talent at that time, and he had been in charge of drafting the emperor's imperial edict, and had been promoted to Youcheng, Minister of Shangshu.
Han Xiu was upright and upright, and he insisted on principles and morality after becoming a prime minister. When Xuanzong made a mistake, he always spoke out and argued without giving in.On the contrary, Xiao Song always obeyed Xuanzong.Once, Xuanzong looked in the mirror and looked depressed.The servants on the left and right said: "After Han Xiu became prime minister, Your Majesty lost weight. Why don't you dismiss him from office." Xuanzong said solemnly: "Although I have lost some weight, the people in the world must have gained weight. Xiao Song came to play the game, blindly Obey me, after he left, I felt uneasy and restless in sleep. I use Han Xiu to govern the country, not for me alone."
With such a cruel temperament, Han Xiu naturally couldn't understand Xiao Song's behavior of blindly obeying the emperor, and the two had a fierce conflict.This made Xuanzong quite unhappy.
Tang Taizong Li Shimin once said: "Law and order will lead to arrogance and extravagance, and arrogance and extravagance will lead to peril." This sentence was well fulfilled in Xuanzong.Xuanzong no longer had the desire to seek governance as he had in the past, and his arrogance occupied all his thoughts. This change was clearly reflected in the selection of the Prime Minister of the Tang Dynasty.Seven months after Han Xiu became prime minister, the two prime ministers were replaced. Han Xiu was transferred to the Minister of Industry, and Xiao Song was transferred to the right prime minister of Shangshu Province.Xuanzong then appointed Pei Yaoqing and Zhang Jiuling to replace Han Xiu and Xiao Song.At the same time, Li Linfu was added to the prime minister's team.
Li Linfu, who left the Daming Palace, was rosy and full of ambition.Enlightenment is his goal, but not his final goal. He begins to plan the next move in his heart.Zhang Jiuling was appointed as Zhongshu Ling and took the position of chief prime minister.He was worried, which was in stark contrast to Li Linfu's joy.The reason why Zhang Jiuling was unhappy was because Li Linfu also entered the ranks of prime ministers.
Zhang Jiuling, courtesy name Zishou, was born in Qujiang, Shaozhou (now Shaoguan, Guangdong).Smart since childhood, he can write essays at the age of 7.When Zhang Shuo was banished to Lingnan, he met Zhang Jiuling and hit it off right away.Later, Zhang Jiuling was promoted to Jinshi and entered the official career.When Zhang Jiuling became prime minister, the Tang Dynasty was in its heyday, but there were various social crises lurking.Aiming at social malpractices, Zhang Jiuling proposed to replace "hegemony" with "kingdom" in politics, emphasizing protecting the people and educating people, and opposing militarism; People with both ability and political integrity serve as local officials.His policy of administration eased social contradictions and played an important role in maintaining the prosperity of Kaiyuan.
Zhang Jiuling dared to speak out, and repeatedly advised Xuanzong to be prepared for danger in times of peace and to rectify the imperial court.At that time, Xuanzong was obsessed with Concubine Wu Hui and planned to abolish the prince Li Ying and make Concubine Wu Hui's son the crown prince.Concubine Wu Hui also sent a message to Zhang Jiuling, saying that if he helped, she would support him to continue as prime minister.However, Zhang Jiuling sided with Prince Li Ying, and fought hard to keep the prince's position.So Concubine Wu Hui turned to form an alliance with Li Linfu.
Xuanzong became more and more lazy in asking about politics, and he didn't like ministers like Zhang Jiuling who were often outspoken and critical. The two quarreled over some political affairs many times.Soon, Xuanzong accepted Li Linfu's suggestion, and in the twenty-fourth year of Kaiyuan (736), he dismissed Zhang Jiuling and Pei Yaoqing from the phases, and relegated Zhang Jiuling to be the governor of Jingzhou.
Zhang Jiuling was elegant and personable. As the last name in the prosperous Kaiyuan period, he was deeply admired by the people of the time. Both Wang Wei and Du Fu wrote poems praising him.It can be said that he is another literary master who is both powerful and admired after Zhang Shuo.Zhang Jiuling's poems have achieved quite high achievements, with a unique charm of "elegance and elegance".Unlike Zhang Shuo's poems, which focus on eulogizing achievements and ambitions, Zhang Jiuling's poems are more about maintaining a noble and honest personality ideal in the face of poverty.This attitude was especially clear after being squeezed out by Li Linfu.On the one hand, he hopes to cut into social politics, pursue the great cause of running the country and the immortal grand feat, on the other hand, he tries to take a transcendent attitude, harmoniously unify the contradictions of "official" and "hidden", and does not want to succumb to the pursuit of achievements. I love the world.This kind of life pursuit with ease of advance and retreat was very representative at that time, which contained the desire to design one's own life path with an active attitude.Fame and career and free life are also the two main trajectories of poetry in the prosperous Tang Dynasty.
In terms of artistic expression, Zhang Jiuling's poems are not as straightforward as Zhang Shuo's, but mainly expressive, euphemistic and implicit.He wrote poems about moonlit nights, the charm of which is the most meaningful, such as "Watching the Moon and Huaiyuan": "The bright moon is born on the sea, and the sky is at this moment. The lover complains about the night, and lovesickness at night. When the candle is extinguished, the light is full, and the clothes feel dewy. Unbearable A gift from the hand, and a good time for sleeping and dreaming." The poem shows a clear and beautiful night scene, and there are graceful and deep feelings everywhere, and it is hard to tell which is the scene language and which is the love language.
In the twenty-eighth year of Kaiyuan (740), Zhang Jiuling died of illness in Qujiang, Shaozhou.Zhang Jiuling once predicted that Anlu Mountain "must be rebelled", and it came true later.Xuanzong recalled Zhang Jiuling's insight and regretted it.After Zhang Jiuling's death, Li Linfu became the undisputed master of the court.The prime minister has become a hidden crisis in the prosperous Tang Dynasty.So far, the superficial singing and dancing can no longer conceal the potential crisis.
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